Radebe, who is the longest serving cabinet member in the current government, indicated he
would accept.

“The branches are the structures of the organisation. We are what we are because of the branches of the ANC. I’m a servant of the people. I thank you for your confidence and I thank you for your trust. I’m prepared to serve the people‚” he said.

Sources in Tshwane indicate that Radebe has a bit of support in the region, with a few branches willing to nominate him when the process officially starts in September.

Silas Moselakgomo, ANC Zonal Secretary in Mamelodi defended Radebe’s decision to avail himself
before the official process. He will contest the leadership position along with Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, former African Union chairperson Dr Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Human Settlements Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and former ANC Treasurer Mathews Phosa who have all raised their hands.

Party secretary general Gwede Mantashe earlier in the year announced that the National Executive Committee (NEC) had resolved to allow branches to start discussing names of their preferred candidates but the nomination process would only start in September.

Moselakgomo said Radebe did not announce his availability but was simply responding to a question from one of the people attending the lecture.

“It was a question to say in May the NEC resolved that names can be discussed but we must avoid
character assassinations. He was asked that since his name was thrown around, are you available or not as we will be nominating people. He said he is ready to serve. The comrades were very excited to hear him say that,” said Moselakgomo.

He added that various branches in the region wanted Radebe to be part of the party’s top leadership after the December conference.

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